MSc Business Analytics
- MSc
Overview
What is the Business Analytics MSc?
Accredited by the Institute of Analytics (IOA), and the Operational Research (OR) Society, the Business Analytics MSc is a one-year master's that provides a foundational understanding of the full analytics process, from data collection and programming to statistical analysis, machine learning forecasting, optimisation and decision modelling.
Turn complex problems into clear analytical questions and apply the right methods to generate meaningful insights that support evidence-based decision-making. Understand business context, ethical responsibility and critical thinking. Deliver accurate and impactful analytics in a world shaped by AI.
Who is the Business Analytics MSc designed for?
This programme is for graduates who want to work in data-driven roles. You'll develop the technical, analytical and professional skills needed to work in contemporary organisations. No prior study in business, analytics or programming is needed.
What skills will you gain from this programme?
- Statistical and predictive modelling
- Machine learning and algorithmic decision-making
- Programming for data analysis and modelling
- Data engineering and dataset transformation
- Forecasting and time-series analysis
- Optimisation and prescriptive analytics
- Data visualisation and communication
- Critical interpretation of analytical outputs
- Ethical and responsible use of data.
Why study the Business Analytics MSc at the University of Bristol Business School?
- Accredited by the Institute of Analytics (IOA) and the Operational Research (OR) Society
- Develop expertise in data analytics, programming, machine learning, forecasting and optimisation
- Apply analytical techniques to real-world business challenges
- Explore current research in analytics, AI and data-driven decision science
- Gain experience with industry-standard tools including Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, SQL and @RISK
- Learn through simulations, case studies, workshops and applied projects
- Complete a final project aligned with your career or academic interests.
Discover the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus
The new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus is a £500 million investment in your future. Learn in collaborative teaching spaces and access specialist facilities, including the Bloomberg Room, where you can develop practical skills using industry-standard financial and market data tools.
You can also bring ideas to life in the Design Factory, with access to a Hackspace, project labs and support from design experts and industry partners.
Through Bristol's innovation ecosystem, you will connect with businesses and organisations, while dedicated careers support will help you develop the skills, networks and experience to succeed after graduation.
Programme structure
Core and specialist options
You will start by studying four core units covering programming, statistical modelling, predictive analytics and algorithmic decision-making. Learn how to structure data, implement analytical models and apply computational methods to solve business problems. Develop applied and professional skills through a team project which solves a real-world organisational problem using data-driven methods and analytical tools.
- Data Analytics in Business
- Programming for Business Analytics
- Optimisation and Machine Learning
- Forecasting and Artificial Intelligence.
Deepen your understanding by choosing two optional units that explore how analytics are used in digital environments, behavioural decision-making contexts and complex optimisation problems. Optional units may include:
- Digital and platform analytics
- Behavioural and decision analytics
- Advanced prescriptive analytics and decision modelling.
Final project
Your studies in teaching blocks 1 and 2 build the foundations for your 60-credit independent research project, completed over the summer. In this Master's Impact Project, you will plan and execute an academic, practice-based or reflective-practice project at an appropriate professional standard.
Options include:
- Independent research project
- Business-based research project
- Business practice project
- Thematic research portfolio.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for the MSc Business Analytics.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a quantitative subject (whether as a single, joint, or combined honours degree) such as:
- Accounting and Finance
- Actuarial Sciences
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Finance
- International Economics and Trade
- Maths
- Physics
- Commerce (with specialism in Accounting/Finance/Economics).
If your degree subject is not listed above, you must have evidence of an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent which includes two different units of mathematics from the Maths qualification requirements list below, with 60% (UK equivalent) or above in each unit
OR
A-level Mathematics with grade A if no mathematics or quantitative units in your degree.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, or if your subject is not listed above, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- evidence of five years' work experience in fields such as digital marketing, data/business analytics, data science, data engineering, banking and finance, any other work sectors/experience requiring expertise in business/data analytics/analysis and/or statistics (eg data analyst; human resource/people analytics; retail analytics; logistics, healthcare analytics). Policy analyst and business analyst may also be considered provided you can demonstrate the use of data analytics and/or statistics as part of your work
- a relevant postgraduate qualification, specific module requirements would still apply, which can be met in either undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
- Accounting ('principles of', 'fundamentals' or 'intermediate')
- Advanced Maths
- Algebra
- Analysis
- Analytical Chemistry
- Auditing
- Banking
- Bayesian Modelling
- Business Analytics
- Business Economics
- Business Maths
- Business Statistics
- Calculus
- Complex Functions/Systems
- Computational Methods (including in the social sciences and research)
- Computer Science (including programming, algorithms and physical computing)
- Corporate Finance
- Cost Accounting/Analysis/Management
- Data Analytics
- Data Mining
- Data Science
- Decision Analysis and Simulation
- Decision Maths
- Decision Science
- Derivatives
- Differential Equations (including Ordinary Differential Equations)
- Discrete Maths
- Econometrics (including 'introductory', 'foundations of' and 'advanced')
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electricity Magnetism
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering (including materials and structural)
- Equilibrium
- Experiment (including experimental design, experimental studies, experimental research and control trials)
- Finance ('principles of', 'fundamentals' or 'intermediate')
- Financial Analysis
- Financial Markets
- Financial Maths
- Financial Modelling
- Financial Reporting
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Forecasting
- Game Theory
- Geometry
- Geotechnical
- Information Theory
- Investment Analysis
- Kinematics
- Kinetics
- Linear Algebra
- Linear Programming
- Logistics Management
- Machine Learning
- Macroeconomics/Microeconomics (also called Economics III/IV)
- Management Science
- Mathematical Programming
- Maths
- Maths for Business
- Mechanics (any type)
- Mechatronics
- Method
- Modelling
- Multi Variate Analysis
- Network Science
- Number Theory
- Operational Research
- Optimisation
- Physics (any type)
- Portfolio Management
- Probability (including stochastic models/methods)
- Programming
- Proof (including introduction to proof)
- Pure Maths
- Qualitative Research Methods/Techniques
- Quantum Computing
- Quantum Mechanics
- Research Methods
- Robotics
- Simulation
- Social Network Analysis
- Statement Analysis
- Statistical Analysis/Methods
- Statistics
- Supply Chain Management
- System Dynamics
- Taxation
- Thermodynamics
- Time Series Analysis
Introductory maths does not count towards maths unit requirements.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £20,200 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £34,500 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
The Business School is offering a range of scholarships for master's students starting in 2027.
Scholarships for Home (UK) Students include the Business School Advance Scholarship.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Accredited by the Institute of Analytics (IOA), the Business Analytics MSc responds to growing employer demand for professionals who can transform data into actionable business insights in an AI-driven world.
A distinctive feature of the programme is the Business Analytics Consulting Project, where you'll work with real organisations to solve business challenges, developing expertise in stakeholder engagement, project management and communication while delivering a consultancy report and boardroom presentation.
Explore how analytics can balance commercial, societal and ethical considerations in Business Analytics and Responsible Innovation, while weekly programming sessions build practical technical skills.
Complete a flexible Master's Impact Project (MiP) in your final term, offering a choice of applied and research-based alternatives to the traditional dissertation. Choose from four pathways, with options for individual and team-based projects focused on research or real-world business challenges:
- Business-Based Research Project with an external organisation
- Thematic Research Portfolio
- Independent Research Project (dissertation or policy paper)
- Business Practice Project focused on consultancy, planning or simulation.
Benefit from a full range of careers support and opportunities to build your professional network.
What career opportunities can this programme lead to?
- Data or Business Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Scientist (junior or entry-level roles)
- Analytics Consultant
- Forecasting or Demand Analyst
- Marketing Analytics Specialist
- Financial or Risk Analyst
- Operations or Decision Analyst
- Digital or Platform Analytics Specialist
- Digital transformation.
Where do University of Bristol Business School graduates work now?
- 3Vision
- Barclays
- Capgemini
- Deloitte
- EDF
- Jaguar Land Rover
- MTC - Manufacturing Technology Centre
- Play Sports Network
- PwC
- Reckitt
- Volkswagen.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk